Dental Prosthesis Functional Surface Design via Intraoral Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designing dental prostheses are analog and time-consuming, requiring multiple impression procedures and manual conversion, lacking efficient alternatives for producing functional impressions, especially for edentulous jaws.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing intraoral scanning to generate three-dimensional data sets, which are input into a learned algorithm, such as an artificial neural network, to create a three-dimensional nominal data set for the functional surface of a dental prosthesis, allowing for faster and more efficient production by adapting to soft tissue and improving fit and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional functional impression procedures are used, then functional margin and esthetic lines are recorded, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps including anatomical impression, tray production, and functional impression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical impression-taking process with optical scanning technology. An intraoral scanner captures the oral cavity geometry digitally, eliminating the need for physical impression materials and trays. This substitution dramatically reduces production time while maintaining the ability to record functional margins and esthetic lines through digital data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the oral cavity using intraoral scanning instead of physical impressions. The scanner generates a three-dimensional digital model that serves as a virtual replica of the patient's oral anatomy, allowing for efficient processing and prosthesis design without requiring multiple physical impression steps.
2Reliability
If multiple impression procedures are used, then complete functional data is obtained, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intraoral scanner serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures anatomical structures, records functional margins, documents esthetic lines, and gathers occlusion data in a single procedure. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized impression procedures, reducing overall procedure complexity while maintaining data completeness through comprehensive digital scanning.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional analog procedures are used, then functional surfaces are designed, but automation is limited and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual prosthesis design processes with automated computer-aided design (CAD) software. The digital scan data is processed by algorithms that automatically determine prosthesis geometry, functional surfaces, and optimal configurations, significantly increasing automation while simplifying the manufacturing workflow through digital fabrication technologies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the three-dimensional shape of a functional surface of a dental prosthesis, comprising the steps of detecting (S101) an intraoral space to generate a three-dimensional actual data set; and inputting (S102) the three-dimensional data set into a learned algorithm to generate a three-dimensional nominal data set for a functional surface of the dental prosthesis.